Short bob haircuts for women over 40 range from ear to chin-length cuts, exposing the neck and shoulder areas. When done right, these bobs basically style for themselves!
Connecticut-based hairstylist Megan Williams shares her best tip for ladies wanting bob cuts. “Start out with a longer bob and work your way up,” she advises. “This allows you to get used to layering and styling, which can help you figure out your preferences. I suggest starting out with an angled bob with minimal layering to get used to the cut,” Williams adds.
Creating layers and texture to any cut can make or break the style. Adding a lot of layering forms a stacked look in the back that requires more styling. Minimal layering creates a cuter and messier look, demanding little to no styling.
Meanwhile, lots of texture in the cut help the fullness of hair to be more manageable. This is ideal for ladies with thicker locks.
Ensure that the bob cut you choose works well with your face shape. “There are variations of short bobs that go with different facial structures and features. A layered or angled cut may look better on some face shapes rather than others,” Williams explains.
Check out these photos of the most flattering and stylish short bob haircuts for women in their 40s!
#1: Shaggy French Bob for Fine Hair
If you have fine hair, try a shaggy French bob to help create volume and enhance. your hair’s natural texture. French bobs fall along the jawline and help to define and enhance your jaw and cheekbones. Try pairing your shaggy bob with textured bangs to create a softer look while also helping to disguise fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and forehead.
Related: Chic volumizing haircuts for women over forty with fine hair.
Related: Best shag hairstyles for women over 40.
#2: Short Deeply Side Parted Bob
If you have fuller, wavy hair ask for a wispy bob. The thinned ends will remove weight and give a light feathered look. A textured undercut will help your nape area lay close to the neck and not bulge out. If you can, over-direct your part to give an asymmetrical look.
#3: Round Stacked Bob on Thick Hair
The round stacked bob is a beautiful and modern look, especially on thick hair. It’s a short style that is sure to turn heads with its voluminous finish.
#4: Tousled Blonde Bob Style
If you want to style your bob, but you’re looking for a more lived-in look, consider not curling the ends of your hair. 1-1/4 size curling barrels are perfect for just the right wave size. Try only curling the midsections of your hair. Leave out about 2 inches from the root and 2 inches from your ends. Once you’re done, comb through with your fingers or a wide tooth comb.
#5: Short Layered Bob with Blunt Bangs
A blunt fridge paired with a textured short bob style is a great combination for women in their 40s wanting a change. Having a variety of textures and angles will really add character to your haircut making it very creative to style. You will feel so unique every time you style this look as it will have a whole new look whether you decide to wear it straight, waved, or curled.
Related: See more short layered bob hairstyles.
#6: Side-Swept Short Curly Hair
If you are lucky enough to have naturally curly hair you should try a side-swept short bob cut. Ask your stylist to cut some shorter pieces in the front that can be swept across the forehead to soften your face shape. If you love this style and have straight hair, a soft perm would be a fantastic change. Short bob hairstyles for women over 40 can be fun and youthful.
#7: Jaw-Length Classy Bob
Don’t hide behind your hair, show off your beauty with a classy jaw-length bob. Cutting your bob to jaw length will help to give more definition, even on a round face shape. If you’re looking to hide fine lines and wrinkles, try adding a side-swept bang or full bang that blends into face-framing layers. If you’re a woman over forty, consider trying some face-framing highlights to bring brightness and warmth to your face.
#8: Wavy Choppy Bob with Stacked Layers
A choppy bob with stacked layers and waves is a great option for a short cut. Many 40-year-olds find themselves wanting to update their look, and a choppy bob is a great option. The stacked layers create volume right where it’s needed. The choppy layers make it easy to wave to keep your bob looking trendy.
#9: Ear-Length Pixie Bob with Long Bangs
A unique ear-length pixie bob with a longer fringe is definitely a style you don’t see often. When it comes to short bobs, having a long face structure and sharp jawline is ideal when wanting to go this route. Ask your stylist for a textured razor cut in order to get a less blunt classic bob.
#10: Short Bob with Side Bangs and Subtle Layers
The classic short bob with a swept side bang is the perfect haircut for women with thick, coarse hair. Having the fullness will give you the perfect roundness needed for this style to stack nicely with subtle layering to add movement. Finishing with a simple blowout is all this beautiful bob will need to get you many compliments.
#11: Micro Bob with Bangs and Wispy Layers
The micro bob with bangs and wispy layers is the perfect haircut for women over 40. This layered bob is also a great option for finer hair because it helps the hair appear thicker.
#12: Face-Framing Short Bob
If you’re looking for a cut that will highlight your jawline and soften your face shape, try a short face-framing bob haircut. Cutting the length to chin level will help to create a nice jawline, even on women who have an undefined jawline. The addition of side bangs or face-framing layers will help to soften your face shape while also helping to disguise fine lines and wrinkles. If you have finer hair, opt for a more blunt cut rather than a layered one because it will look fuller.
#13: Graduated Bob with Short Layers
Consider a graduated bob with short layers and you won’t be sorry. A bob is a popular hairstyle because of its sharp shape and ease of styling. Ask your stylist to cut the crown layers shorter and leave the front layers longer for the most dramatic cut. Try scrunch drying the back and blowing around the face with a round brush. A short bob for women over 40 is the perfect cut to change your image and make you feel reborn.
#14: Side Part Curly Bob for Round Faces
Consider a side-parted curly bob and you’ll feel trendy and cute. A short haircut can really modernize your appearance and uplift your self-esteem. Ask your stylist to cut a square shape layer that will compliment your curls. Make sure to include some shorter pieces around your face to balance round features. You’ll be ready in no time with this easy-care, air-dry style.
#15: Sleek A-Line Bob on Straight Hair
Try an a-line bob if you’re searching for a hairdo that styles itself. An a-line bob haircut has major built-in shape, perfect for straight hair that is hard to style. Simply wash and wear and look fabulous.
#16: Chin-Length Blunt Bob for Thin Hair
Try a blunt bob if you have thin hair. A bob haircut is a perfect choice for fine and low-density hair types because it creates a strong line of where the hair falls and creates the illusion of more hair. Blunt edges help to create weight, as well as keep the hair strong and less prone to breakage.
#17: Textured Bob Cut on Wavy Hair
A textured bob with loose waves is a great style for ladies over 40. The reason for this is going shorter will bring out the sharpness in your jawline. Bobbed hair is also super simple to style, just start off with effortless waves and finish with a textured spray to get that undone, sexy style.
#18: Short Inverted Bob Cut
For ladies, an inverted bob is an easy-to-maintain style that has a lot of bonuses. Removing length in the nape helps to create volume in the crown. Keeping length around the face keeps it feeling soft and feminine. Ask your stylist to add choppy layers to kick up the volume.
#19: Neck-Length Undercut Bob
A neck-length undercut bob is great for women with very thick, dense hair that are looking to get rid of that extra bulk. It can also be just to add an edge to your hairstyle. No matter what your reasoning, this bob hairstyle is sure to leave you feeling lighter and edgier when you walk out of the salon.
Related: See more hairstyles for ladies over 40.